(ID 136131882 © Jerome Cid Dreamstime.com)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Grain Update

CN highlights new initiatives through 2023/24 Grain Plan

Aug 1, 2023 | 1:40 PM

CN has several initiatives planned for the next year to better transport grain across the country.

The company has released its 2023-2024 Grain Plan which highlights plans to build off of what they say was a successful past 12 months which saw them add 57 new high horsepower locomotives and 1,000 new covered hopper cars.

This includes adding 750 new high-efficiency grain hopper cars and the expansion of the locomotive modernization program to upgrade older vehicles.

“We at CN know that Canada’s agricultural industry has always been the cornerstone of our nation’s economy, contributing significantly to its growth and stability,” Tracy Robinson, CN’s CEO said. “Together, we can navigate the challenges ahead, capitalize on new opportunities, and ensure the continued success and prosperity of the Canadian agricultural sector.”

One of the struggles has been finding people to hire. They are having trouble filling hundreds of positions, especially in hard-to-recruit areas and in Western Canada.

Responsive measures

Some Sask. farmers to get winter elk hunting permits next year to protect land

Mar 12, 2026

Buy Now, Pay Later!

Spring 2026 Early Buy Program

Mar 09, 2026

SARM Convention

Sask RMs gather to address come concerns

Mar 06, 2026

To help combat this, the company is providing $10,000 bonuses, focusing on more targeted engagement, and implementing new technology and new hiring tools.

Despite this, CN is confident they’ll be able to operate without any major issues.

“Based on current overall demand forecasts, CN’s assessment is that the active operating crew base will be sufficient to move the anticipated volume of grain over the course of the 2023–24 crop year,” read CN’s 2023-2024 Grain Plan.

Meanwhile, CN also plans to standardize the improved coordination and execution established between its network and field operations and introduce a new precision dispatch system to help optimize train movement across the network.

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsnow